This Picturesque National Forest In Arizona Is An Underrated Destination For Nature Lovers

Over the years, Arizona has earned a reputation for being the desert capital of the U.S. But anyone who's visited, read about, or lived in the 48th state knows that it has so much more to offer, from the relaxing getaway and luxurious spas of Sedona to the Grand Canyon trails that run through. Arizona is also home to the colossal Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which boast over 2 million acres of mountains, lakes, and more scenery for any nature lover to enjoy. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as two separate forests: Apache and Sitgreaves, named after the Apache tribe that lived in the area and topographical engineer Lorenzo Sitgreaves, respectively. In 1974, the names were combined, primarily for administrative purposes.

Today, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests welcome over half a million visitors annually, a testament to their magnitude and the range of outdoor recreation available. With mindfulness, respect for the landscape, and careful planning, visitors can make the most of their time there, enjoying the numerous activities that the forests and their natural surroundings offer.

Browsing the official website for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests for even just a few minutes makes it clear that, regardless of preferred outdoor activity, the massive woodlands truly offer something for everyone. What makes Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests such an underrated outdoor paradise is its year-round offerings. In addition to warm-weather recreation, the forests also offer a variety of activities to enjoy in the winter. Fans of snow sports can enjoy cross-country snowmobiling at several trailheads, as well as cross-country skiing in sections like the Pole Knoll Recreation Area. And if less extreme winter sports are preferred, the forests also offer areas for sledding and tubing. 

Then, of course, there's enjoying the forests in the summer: a season known for, among other things, camping. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have at least 59 campgrounds and sites, each with designated activities to pursue during the day, such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, water activities, and more. The forests' official website is an invaluable resource here, providing multiple search tools to find the best campsites for each preferred activity.

Designated activities also include outdoor science and learning. Here's where the forests truly become a nature lover's dream destination, with dedicated cultural sites and areas for observing plants and wildlife. Wildlife preservation has become core to the forests' management, with volunteer teams coming together on occasions like Earth Day cleanup initiatives. "Every bit counts — you always leave a site better than you found it," volunteer Dani James told the Arizona Game and Fish Department: words that visitors and travelers to the forest should heed. "In the long run, it helps our wildlife and it protects our environment."

Nature lovers know that even the most beautiful landscapes come with safety precautions, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are no exception. In the summer, for instance, wildfires are a risk, leading to restrictions and closures of specific areas. For finding the best campaign spots, use sites like Recreation.gov to make sure campsites are open, and always designate a backup site before you go. Pack for extreme temperature fluctuations, even in the summer; in August, for instance, temperatures can range from lows in the 40s to highs in the 80s, so bring layers and necessary items to stay warm when the climate drops overnight.

Campsites within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests start around $20 per night, but for visitors who prefer to sleep under a roof instead of the stars, lodging options in and around the forest area abound. Highly rated options include Meadows Edge Cabins ($145.00 per night for two people), Little Colorado Cabins (starting at approximately $124 per night, depending on the season), and the Commons at White Mountain Lodge, which offers multiple accommodations with a range of rates.

Know your options if you're traveling to the area by air. The nearest international airport to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a two-hour drive away from the area with minimal traffic. Even closer is Show Low Regional Airport, which offers limited commercial flights exclusively on Contour Airlines. From there, visitors are on their own to get to the forests by car; rentals are available at either airport. Some hotels and lodges may offer transportation services, such as shuttles, so be sure to ask when planning your itinerary.